Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord God, who continues to do great things for all peoples.

Opening Prayer:

O God, our life, our health, our salvation, look with mercy on your people. Stir up in us a saving faith, that believing, we may be healed, and being healed, we may worthily give you thanks. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“Alleluia” – Bethel Live Worship

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A Reading from the Old Testament: 2 Kings 5:14-17 (NLT)
[The healing of the leper Naaman and his decision to commit himself to the God of Israel.]

So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed!

Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”

But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused.

Then Naaman said, “All right, but please allow me to load two of my mules with earth from this place, and I will take it back home with me. From now on I will never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the Lord.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 98:1-4 (NLT)

Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation! He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!
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“Psalm 98 (Holy is He)” – David Dunn

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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Timothy 2:8-13 (NLT)
[A short summary of the good news.]

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

This is a trustworthy saying:

If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 17:11-19 (NLT)
[The story of the healing of ten lepers, and the return of just one to say ‘thanks’.]

As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”
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“Healer” – Bethel Music

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Intercessory Prayer:

Wonder-working God: Hear our prayers –

+ For a speedy end to the conflict in Syria, that God will move the hearts of the various factions to bring an end to the bloodshed…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the people of Syria, especially those who have lost homes and loved ones: that they may find a place of safety…. Lord, hear us.
+ For journalists, that in carrying out their work, they may always be motivated by respect for truth…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the men and women chosen to spread the Good News, that they may bear the hardships which come with that task…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who suffer from disease in our world, that full medical help may be available to rich and poor alike…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those whose homes and livelihood have been destroyed by Hurricane Matthew, that they may find the resources to re-build their lives…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer isolation today, as the lepers once did, that nothing may deprive them of the support of Christians…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died in Christ, that they may live with You forever…. Lord, hear us.

God of many wonders, you bring salvation to all the earth: remember your people and grant our prayer, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Strength” – Jonathan & Melissa Helser

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Benediction:

(May) Christ dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:17-19

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen